Understanding Behaviour and Development in Early Childhood: A Guide to Theory and Practice

In this accessible and thought-provoking text, the author examines the behaviour of babies and young children in a developmental context, and takes into account the shifts and changes over time as young children grow and mature.

Understanding Behaviour and Development in Early Childhood reveals, for example, how behaviour perceived as ‘difficult’ in a young child may be the manifestation of a response to emotional, sensory and cognitive experiences. Throughout the book, readers will find a strong emphasis on emotional well-being and the need to place our understanding of behaviour within a developmental time frame.

Based on wide ranging professional experience the topics examined and discussed in this insightful book include:

• what we understand by ‘behaviour’
• how the brain and senses work and mature during early childhood
• behaviour as a reflection of the child’s internal state
• what emotions are and how we learn what feelings mean to us as individuals
• how emotions affect our ability to learn
• how we develop a sense of self.

The book provides suggestions for how adults may think about and respond to changes in children’s behaviour, and how we may support children in learning how to manage their own behaviour as they grow older and encounter wider and more complex situations.

Understanding the meaning of behaviour is a constant challenge for anyone working with children. This developmental approach promotes a helpful reflective stance for practitioners and students working in early childhood education and care.

Maria Robinson was a health visitor and counsellor and currently is a lecturer, trainer and independent adviser in early years development. Her doctorate is in child welfare and protection.